| 12th Division | |
| File:12th Division Insignia.jpg | |
| Title | Twelfth Division |
| Kanji | 十二番隊 |
| Romaji | Jūnibantai |
| Captain | Mayuri Kurotsuchi |
| Lieutenant | Nemu Kurotsuchi |
| Allies | Shinigami Research and Development Institute |
| Specialty | R&D of new Technology and Spiritual Tools |
| Insignia | Thistle |
| Insignia Signifies | Vengeance, Strictness, Independence |
| Division Color | Olive Green |
The Twelfth Division (十二番隊, jūnibantai), also known as Squad 12 in the English Dub, is one of the Gotei 13, headed by Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
Organization
The twelfth Division follows the traditional organization of a Gotei 13 Division. The 12th Division is a one-man division, with Mayuri Kurotsuchi having absolute authority. If one dares to utter an opinion, he could very well find himself reconstructed into a Human bomb. The secret to longevity here is working quietly and without being noticed.[1]
Special Duties
The 12th Division develops new technology and spiritual tools and its been the home of the S.R.D.I. for 110 years.[2]
The 12th Division has been directly linked to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute over 100 years ago by former Captain Kisuke Urahara. As such technological and scientific research has become the full measure of what the division involves itself in primarily. Members are tasked with research and collection of data and samples, something both the current and previous Captains are very enthusiastic about, though not to the same extreme.
Barracks
12th Division Barracks
Like all the other barracks, the 12th Division Barracks house the offices and living quarters of the Shinigami of the 12th. During the captaincy of Kisuke Urahara, he converted part of the 12th Division into the then newly formed Shinigami Research and Development Institute.[3] Since then, new buildings appear to have been erected for the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, complete with its own gate and all.[4]
Mayuri also runs a cosmetic surgery clinic called Charismatic Dr. Mayuri Kurotsuchi's Magical Clinic ((カリスマDr.[ドクター]涅マユリの マジカル☆クリニック, Karisuma Dr.[Dokutā] Kurotsuchi Mayuri no Majikaru Kurinikku) from the buildings controlled by the 12th Division.[5]
Notable Members
(† = confirmed death)
| Name | Rank | In Office | Status |
| Kirio Hikifune | Captain | ? - 1891 A.D. | Promoted |
| Kisuke Urahara | Captain | 1891 A.D. - 1901 A.D. (10yrs) | Dishonorably Discharged |
| Mayuri Kurotsuchi | 3rd Seat Captain |
1891 A.D. - ? ? - Current |
Active |
| Hiyori Sarugaki | Lieutenant | ? - 1901 A.D. | Discharged |
| Nemu Kurotsuchi | Lieutenant | ? - Current | Active |
| Akon | 3rd Seat | ? - Current | Active |
| Kagerōza Inaba (anime only) | 7th Seat | ? - 2001 A.D. | Dishonorably Discharged † |
| Rin Tsubokura | Unknown | ? - Current | Active |
| Hiyosu | Unknown | ? - Current | Active |
| Female Researcher | Unknown | 1891 A.D. - Current | Active |
| Ōko Yushima (anime only) | Unknown | ? - 1905 A.D. | Dishonorably Discharged |
Recruitment
In the 12th division, Kurotsuchi Mayuri, the captain, holds absolute power. Members of the division fear that those who express unwanted opinions could be chemically altered without their knowledge into essentially becoming living bombs. The key to long life is succeeding in their missions without getting in the way.[6]
Recruitment Fair Brochure[7]
Ilustration for the 12th Division Recruitment Brochure[7]
The following question and answer, plus illustration, was printed in the special issue of the Seireitei Communication that came out straight after the Ryoka Invasion of Soul Society.[7]
Mayuri Kurotsuchi
1. What kind of individuals are you seeking?
Anyone is fine.
2. How would you describe the atmosphere around your division?
It's a very fun place.
3. What do you require of new recruits?
Healthy bodies.
4. Some words for the Shinigami recruits.
Just come.
Nemu Kurotsuchi
1. What kind of individuals are you seeking?
Nothing in particular.
2. How would you describe the atmosphere around your division?
It is a very fun place.
3. What do you require of new recruits?
Healthy bodies.
4. Some words for the Shinigami recruits.
We'll be waiting for you.
Frank talk!! with the 2nd Division lieutenant, Marechiyo Omaeda
Huh, the 12th Division? I don't know, I don't deal with them at all. Don't ask me! Direct all further questions to my personal secretary. I'm kind of the boss around here, you know. Bwahahaha!
Shinigami Women's Association Aptitude Test
According to the Shinigami Women's Association aptitude test, those who are willing to dedicate their life to research are best suited for this division, but the Association warns that recruits must be prepared for consequences.[8]
